December 7th, 2016: A pioneering research paper produced by Dr. Franziska Apprich, Assistant Professor at Canadian University Dubai (CUD), has been selected for presentation and publication as part of the International Scientific Forum (ISF), to be hosted by the University of Oxford, UK, early next year.
The paper, entitled ‘The Benefits of Being Shy’, explores how shyness and modesty in the workplace could help to create a well-balanced team environment that promotes strong collaboration, leading to improved productivity.
Explaining the concept, Dr. Apprich said, “Critics are familiar with the basic principles of shyness but very little analysis has been given to the psychological and factual reality of shyness as a powerful tool, rather than one that sets oneself back. The appreciation and embedding of shyness in business is still in its infancy and it is important that we explore it as much as we can and identify its benefits.”
Shyness, Dr. Apprich argues, is the antidote to a business environment characterized by growing arrogance, where competition rather than collaboration is considered the driving force for success. She continued, “Consumerism was holding up shyness as a sort of disability of modern-day life, an anti-capitalism approach, a character trait that would bring you only misery rather than success.
“In fact, practicing shyness is practicing reflective thoughts, modesty and self-evaluation. A good shy person is somebody who listens, reflects, questions, concludes and acts upon ones beliefs. Reflectiveness and steady consistency are a big part of success.”
Based on her research, Dr. Apprich suggests that if shyness were to be promoted and nurtured as a positive characteristic, it could have definite advantages in a business environment. She said, “Anyone who has ever experienced a shy, modest and kind line manager feels a sense of ease and approachability so alien to the current business world. Nevertheless, shyness does not necessarily have to be practiced by only shy people but can be practiced by all.”
Dr. Apprich recommends that educators should play a major role in demonstrating the benefits of shyness. She concluded, “It is our duty to set our students up for success rather than failure and to celebrate the observant shyness, the modesty, the calm and strategic action to progress. It is us who have to show the benefits of shyness and its exciting potential innovations.
“I have noticed that most shy students just need some given room to interact, include their opinions and be part of a team. Only if we as the team allow shy people to become one with us can we benefit from them. We as educators and managers need to demonstrate shyness as an asset rather than downfall and encourage our students and employees to celebrate it.”
Dr. Apprich will present the paper at the 7th edition of ISF, which will take place from February 7th – 9th, 2017, and will focus upon education, climate change and economic development.
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